Kwon Alexander will have to end his excellent rookie season early.
The Buccaneers linebacker is expected this week to begin serving his four-game suspension for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs, the Tampa Bay Times reported Monday.
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Alexander tested positive for a banned substance during training camp but claimed it was because of an "energy drink" he has used since high school. He said Nov. 23 that he would appeal his suspension, though he ultimately decided not to challenge the ban.
The appeal process may have allowed Alexander to play another week, but potentially could have kept him out of the playoffs or stretched into next year. The fourth-round pick from LSU will now be eligible to return in the postseason if the Bucs (6-6) are able to secure a playoff spot. Tampa Bay will finish the season with games against the Saints, Rams, Bears and undefeated Panthers.
Alexander logged 10 tackles and a sack in Sunday’s win over the Falcons and would end his rookie year with 93 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles if he is indeed done for the season.
The highlight of his season came when he earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors after recording 11 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in an overtime win over the Falcons on Nov. 1, just two days after his younger brother was shot to death.